The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-05
BERNHAKDT AND THE CHINESE.
A Visit to the Horrible Opium Dens of Sar
Francisco.

A Visit to the Horrible Opium Dens of Sam
Francisco.
San Francisco Examiner.
Emerging from the side entrance of the Chi
nese Theater the party filed across the street a
narrow alleyway.
TT is frightening" said Nine Sarah, glancing
around at the dark, sinister rookeries as IL fas-
cinated by the horrors they might contain.
1T is q place for braves with long daggers"
she exclaimed presently, as the way became
more black and tortuous.
Detective Martin and the Chinese interpreter
being informed of her remark. FASTENED to ex-
plain, through the medium of the Examiner rep
resentative, that that very spot was favorite
execution ground for the dreadful Brotherhood
of Highbnders.
Abr cried Mime. Sarah. $50 they have the
bravo after ALL How droll! How delightful!
Can they be seen-these bravosP'
The Mysterious ways of the highbnders were
explained to her, and Detective Martin assured
her that her only chance to LOOK upon real,
live highlander would be to visit him in his cage
at the county Jail. A sharp turn was made into
a little passage leading to cavernons court
yard. Then a long flight of stairs led the party
to a cellar, where the ladies clutched desperately
at the gentlemens arms to keep from stumbling,
and suddenly they all found themselves in a lit
tie ten by twelve apartment in which a dim
candle burned. On the low hunks around the
room lay Cinnamon, whose faces stood out in
the cloud of smoke with chastity pallor.
"Cest horriblel' gaspej the ladies'
"Cest magnifque" exclaimed Mime. Sarah,
pushing into ths room with eager curiosity.
A victim lay in stupor before her He was
skin seemed green ana mouidy. His fingers
were mechanically preparing ball of opium for
his pipe His muscles seemed to act without the
control of nerves. It was q sort of living death
I'll reveip exclaimed Bernhardt leaning over
him and peering into his countenance as il to
read his dreams. Then, breaking away with .
shudder, she hurried to the door and out from
the cloud of smoke to the cold air OF the street.
The party next visited the large restaurant
near the theater. AS Nine. Sarah climbed
fight after fight of stairs through the decorated
rooms her wonder and admiration grew.
How beautiful" she CRIED in rapture, a
splendid screen was reached. gorgeous in gilt
seated themselves at the tables. A recess in the
wall for opium smokers caught Nine. Sarah's
eve. She across the room lightly
child. and cast herself upon it in the pose of the
wretch she had just in the under
ground den MEANWHILE the others seized the
Chinese concert Presently tea was served and
Mme. Sarah took three cups in succession. OF
course, there was milk. but it was noted til at
sho took abundance of sugar in her cups.
The ardent sam-shoo was passed around at the
end of the rspast. The ladies drank each a tiny
glass of it, and pronoy need it not altogether bad
ut would not temp me to intoxcation, how
ever" said Nine. Sarah, with smile.
Starting a tour of inspection, Nine Sarah
discovered an inner apartment used for Chinese
Abr she said. raising her eyebrows demure
II. "Un cabinet particulier"
Presently she seated herself q long teak
dress of soft India silk, dark blne and mauve in
color fell about her figure in soft. radiant folds.
She leaned her head upon her hand IL in
WEAKNESS for a moment. Then she rose with q
sigh and said
LET us return to own world again."